With the talent that has already left St James’ Park and could still leave before this summer transfer window closes, the last thing that the Magpies need is more injuries. But will they be able to avoid them?
Pre-season is going on and there is not a ton of positivity around Eddie Howe’s side at the moment. So, some big wins would help lift the mood.
Unfortunately, that was not on the cards for them against Gateshead. The fifth-tier club were able to hold Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw.
Not only that, but the absence of a few players might have worried the fans as well. One of them is the club’s Dutch centre-back Sven Botman, who has dealt with plenty of injuries over his time at St James’ Park. Naturally, fans always keep an eye on his condition.
Eddie Howe provides update on Sven Botman injury
It looks like a knock picked up in pre-season training kept Botman out of action against Gateshead. The good news is that it is not a serious issue.
As reported by Chronicle Live, Howe said when asked about the situation of Botman:
“Sven just took a little knock to the face yesterday in training, but we don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
When signed by the club, Botman was viewed as someone who had the potential to develop into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Things have not gone according to expectations.
Of course, injuries have had a lot to do with that. Even then, when fit and available, Botman is viewed as a starter. Hopefully, that will be the case more often than not this season.
Newcastle United need Botman to be available this season
There is no denying the fact that Newcastle United have an ageing defence. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34 years of age. So, it is about time that the Magpies start thinking of life beyond them.
If Botman is able to find his fitness, that would go a long way in that. But at the same time, the Magpies should try to add to their backline this summer as well.
There are have been suggestions that the club are looking at Fikayo Tomori as a potential option. The English centre-back only has a year left on his contract at AC Milan.
At 28 years of age, Tomori is in his prime. Also, he is believed to be available for a bargain transfer fee in the region of €20 million. A move makes all the sense in the world if you are Newcastle United.
